9:36am Friday 9th January 2004
By Alex Brown
LEGEND has it, or at least, according to a sign hanging in the saloon bar of the George & Devonshire by Hogarth Roundabout in Chiswick, that on this spot, Dick Turpin tethered his faithful steed Black Bess and downed a quick half before completing his famous 24 hour ride to York.
A journey that has had some doubt cast on it by recent historians.
From the same source, it's said 16th century strolling players used the venue to perform the latest Shakespearean blockbusters, and nearby resident painter William Hogarth, regularly dropped by, in-between lampooning 18th century society.
Smugglers are also said to have unloaded their contraband rum and spirits from boats on the Thames into the pub's cellars through a secret passageway, rumoured still to exist.
Whether or not these and other tales are true, what you can be sure of is a fine pint can still be found at this friendly Fuller's pub, which many people may have driven past on their way along the A4, without taking the chance to check it out.
The George & Devonshire (named after George III and William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire who owned Chiswick House from 1764 to 1811) has to its maintain high standards, with the Fuller's main brewery so close by, as well as two film and TV studios at Lamb House on Church Street, and across the road in the Hogarth Business Park.
Manageress Leigh Hunter told the Times: "You never know who's going to walk in, whether it's a big star, or a group of Fuller's executives or the brewery's whole audit team, so we have to keep things on top."
The 32-year-old who arrived from Coventry in August last year described how ex-Hear'Say singer Myleene Class has used the pub's function room to do some filming.
In the past, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Tom Jones often visited the pub, while more recently, famous faces spotted have included Michael Aspel, Michelle Collins, John Fortune, and the Jedi Knight, Ewan McGregor.
Leigh says she still sometimes gets star struck: "It's like Oh God that's Ewan McGregor', but you try to treat them like a normal customer."
And what did the well known Hollywood hell-raiser and party animal have to drink? "He just ordered a Pepsi and sat down quietly."
It's a shame the Scottish superstar didn't take the opportunity to sample some of the fine ales on offer at the George & Devonshire including Fuller's favourites London Pride, ESB, Chiswick Bitter, and the seasonal Jack Frost.
Or try some of the modestly priced pub grub, ranging from sandwiches, Light Bites', burgers and other traditional main courses like sausages and mash, platters of chicken wings, potato wedges, onion rings and garlic bread.
Or have a look around the unusual 18th century, Grade II listed building, which still follows the traditional pub layout of having a saloon bar cut off from the working man's bar, with two separate entrances.
Leigh explains: "We get a mix of younger people in one side and older, professional people in the other. The locals here and next door, they don't cross so much."
The left hand bar has a more sporty theme, with pool table, and televisions screening Premiership games, while in the larger right hand bar, there is a more leisurely atmosphere, with extra seating, an open fire, and pictures lining the walls of Chiswick's past.
The function room, brightly decorated with a golden chandelier holding up to 50 people, leads off from the saloon bar, and is often booked up for children's parties, meetings, wedding and funeral receptions. The Chiswick branch of the Masons are also said to convene there regularly. The pub provides a buffet service for anyone hiring the venue.
Leigh describes the George & Devonshire as good value for money, giving high quality for less expense. The pub holds a certificate of excellence from industry standard bearers Cask Marque, has received a Master Cellarman award, and has its cellar, pumps, pipes and taps regularly inspected. Many of the staff have worked there a long time, creating a family environment.
Leigh adds: "Most of the staff live in, so they can't really call in sick. The atmosphere's really good, it's a welcoming environment. I always try to give the customers what they want. We try to have a home made meal everyday, and four or five specials. If you go down the river it's another 50p on your pint and another £2 on your meal."
Which may explain why highwayman Dick Turpin stopped off here. You won't hear anyone say: "How much for a pint of beer? That's daylight robbery!", at the George & Devonshire.
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